Hi!

I have lived in Iowa and have done all or part of RAGBRAI 20+ times, I haven't kept track. It is a cycling fitness challenge, composed of riders who have trained or are in shape, riders who have done minimal training and perceive it to be more of a social event/party than a fitness event, and riders with families. There are about 10,000 riders per day, so throughout the day it would be rare to be out of eyesight of another rider. The average speed of most riders based on my estimation is 12-14 mph. The towns along the route go all out to make riders feel welcome, to get off their bikes, and enjoy friendly Iowa hospitality. At the end of the day, most riders tent camp, but some are able to snag a hotel room, and you'll also see motorhomes and campers.

I may do one day of RAGBRAI this year...rode the entire week last year. This year I have some other cycling events that will use up most of my vacation.

Randy

I have been doing it the last few years. When I was out of shape I started at just one day but I am now up to riding the full week. I agree with the above post that it is easy to gain weight as every town plies you with lots of goodies! There is a wide variety of riders and skill levels so it always interesting. I agree that a lot of people look at as a giant party on wheels where you pretty much drink your way across Iowa. I am there to ride my bike first and foremost so I train a lot ahead of time. I am also one of those rare riders that refuses to tent it and will drive up to an hour to find a nice bed! If you are interested in riding and coming from out of the area there are some pretty good groups such as Pork Belly Ventures that provides full support. Also a lot of cycling clubs offer support to their members. It is definitely an experience to be a part of.

The overnight towns will be announced on January 26th so I will be on my computer booking hotel rooms!

I'm planning on riding this for the first time this year. Trying to put a team together, because i've heard you get a better chance at being selected in the lottery.

Are you in Eastern Iowa by chance? I'm looking for a team to break into.

Thanks! Now to overcome my shyness of meeting new people and insecurities of my cycling abilities!
This will be a good exercise in both of those!

I haven't done the RAGBRAI, but I know lots of people who have. Huge numbers, I keep thinking I'm going try for it, but always seem to come back to the CNC Fall ride. Mostly because it is in the Fall ... not as hot as July. You still meet lots of people, they close it at 1200 riders, not 10,000 riders. It is still roughly 500 miles over 7 days and most people camp. I actually think any of these kind of rides is worth the experience, I just haven't been able to get up the courage to ride with 10,000 people.

(CNC is Cycle North Carolina).